Kindergarten Environment as an Integrating Context (EIC) Units

The kindergarten curriculum revolves around three hands-on, project-based units, which integrate the subject areas through community investigations. In each EIC investigation, students explore natural and social systems to develop an understanding that the elements of these systems are interdependent.

Me and my Tree

The focus of this unit is for students to develop a basic understanding of systems; to differentiate between natural and social systems; and, investigate how people are responsible to take care of themselves and nature. Students will investigate their bodies and what they need to keep them healthy and survive; as well as investigate trees and what they need to keep them healthy and survive. By making comparisons between their bodies and trees as systems, students will make relevant connections as they increase their understanding of systems. The unit culminates with an environmental service-learning project based on the natural and social interaction discoveries within the unit and student’s voice.

Where we LiveThe focus of the unit is for students to investigate resources as they are used in human and animal shelters. Students learn about the process of constructing buildings and animal homes and continue to develop their knowledge of natural and social systems. In addition to looking at the interactions between humans and natural resources, students will take a closer look at the resources animals use in our local community to determine what they need to survive.. Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding that people and animals need resources to live. Students discuss how people are responsible to help conserve and protect natural resources in our local community. The unit culminates with an environmental service-learning project based on the natural and social systems interactions they discovered during the unit and student’s voice.

Under our FeetThe final unit of study involves an investigation of soil and how it provides resources for humans and plants. Students gain an understanding of where soil comes from and its importance to all living things. Students conduct experiments on how plants grow, preparing them for agriculture studies in 1st grade. By understanding how plants, flowers, animals and people need and use soil, students will be able to participate in an environmental service-learning project that demonstrates the importance of healthy soil.